The Presidency has ordered tighter security around President
Muhammadu Buhari’s nephew, Alh. Mamman Daura.
The enhanced security is also for the Chief of Staff, Mallam
Abba Kyari and some other members of the President’s Kitchen
Cabinet, following protests over the cabinet, which is yet to be
formed.
Security agencies, who are screening nominees from the states,
are said to be trailing the sponsors of the attacks on Daura and
Kyari.
It was also learnt that the President is finalising the
consideration of ministerial nominees with three shortlisted per
state for broader perspective.
Besides, preliminary background checks on some of the nominees
are still on going.
But it was unclear last night whether or not the President will
have a 36-man cabinet or a 42-man team.
The presidency is said to have been disturbed about personal
attacks on Daura and Kyari.
Besides street protests against Kyari in Abuja, there was also
the invasion of Daura’s home in Kaduna on Tuesday.
The protesters, who officials believe were sponsored, had
assumed that the two leaders and other members of Buhari’s kitchen
cabinet could stop their candidates from being ministers.
It was gathered that the presidency was bitter that the jostle
for ministerial tickets has become “personal assault.”
A President source said: “The Presidency has directed that
security be strengthened for Daura, Kyari and other close
associates of the President, who are being targeted.
“The challenge most lobbyists are having is that the President
is keeping the list of his incoming cabinet to himself. Not even
APC leaders or governors have access to the list.
“Some may have dropped names but the President is always keeping
quiet. It is difficult to read his mindset. So, attacking Daura and
Kyari was unfortunate. They do not have any role to play in
compiling the list of those who will be members of the Federal
Executive Council.”
Responding to a question, the highly-placed source added: “
Security agencies are investigating those behind the unwarranted
personal attacks on Daura and Kyari and others being assumed to be
in charge of the cabinet list, who are said to be sponsored. “I
believe these agencies will unmask them.”
Another source told The Nation that the final consideration of
likely ministerial nominees is being done by the President.
Most states have as many as three nominees from whom the
President will pick one.
Said the source: “ The list in most states comprises three
nominees, but the President has adopted broader perspective in
considering the nominees, including some former ministers.
“ Preliminary background checks on some of the nominees are
ongoing. But before the President sends the list to the National
Assembly in July, the checks would have been concluded and the best
chosen for cabinet appointments.”
It was unclear if the President will retain the 36-man structure
or allow six more ministers for each of the six geopolitical zones
to make 42.
A Presidency source said: “ The constitution allows either 36 or
42 ministers.
“It is the prerogative of the President to determine what is
best for the nation.”
Section 147(1-3) directs the President to appoint at least 36
ministers unless the constitution is amended.
The section reads: “There shall be such offices of Ministers of
the Government of the Federation as may be established by the
President.
“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of
the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such
office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.
“Any appointment under Subsection (2) of this section by the
President shall be in conformity with the provisions of Section
14(3) of this Constitution:
“Provided that in giving effect to the provisions aforesaid the
President shall appoint at least one minister from each state, who
shall be an indigene of such state.”